Living a 'good' life. What does that mean to you?

[HeliumBee]

Whilst giving blood the other night (is there a smug emoticon?!?!) I was thinking what is it that makes someone live a 'good life'?

Apart from the obvious (i.e not murder, abuse etc) - which now I come to think about it - is more like 'avoiding a bad life'. What do you do/want to do/think you ought to do to live a 'good life'?

Has anyone inspired you to change your life for the better?

Just wondering what everyones thoughts on this subject are really...

[Heathcliffscathy]

living with joy.

doing bad things doesn't bring joy.

being joyful only brings good.

[HeliumBee]

Ooh that's lovely!

[HecatesTwopenceworth]

I think, in terms of living a 'good' life, you can't go wrong if you live by this -

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others,
even to the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be
greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career
however humble;
it is a real possession in the
changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you
to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit
to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labours and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham,
drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

[TheDMshouldbeRivened]

treat people nicely with good manners and politeness.
Help others but without wanting praise/recognition.
Not that I always manage any of the above but i try!

[Mouette]

Love your neighbour as yourself.

[TheDMshouldbeRivened]

I nearly said that Mouette but realised that some people are strange so maybe loving their neighbour like they do themsleves might be a baaaaaaaaaaaaad thing!

[BedofRosesItAintII]

Feeling love and appreciation from friends and family.

Being able to achieve some of the big and little dreams.

Good health, not too many money worries.

Having more good hair days than bad!

[Mouette]

Hmmm hadn't thought about that! How about Rabbi Hillel's golden rule then: "Do onto others as you would be done by".

[TheDMshouldbeRivened]

nope. You would not believe what some people want done!
I am lowering the tone of this thread. I will shut up now

[Mouette]

Aarh! Can't win!